Michelle Hamiel (she, her, hers) is the Chief of Programs at the Urban Libraries Council. Michelle strengthens the urban library role in local ecosystems and advances partnerships and programs resulting in systemic change. She is known and respected throughout public libraries for her leadership to diversify the profession, to serve marginalized communities and to increase racial and social equity. Prior to joining ULC, Michelle served as Prince George's County Memorial Library System's chief operating officer and led the mission, vision, innovation, and operations of the library's 19 branches and the county detention center.

Nini Beegan, MA, MLIS is the Organizational Learning & Innovation Coordinator for the Maryland State Library Agency, where she leads collaborative statewide learning and change initiatives.  She has education and experience in leadership coaching, organizational development, instructional systems development, and strategic futures thinking.  Nini has completed executive certificates from the Institute for Transformational Leadership at Georgetown University in Leadership Coaching and Organizational Development & Change Leadership Consulting with additional advanced training in peer coaching and adult development. She has combined these experiences to develop the Cultures Conference Extended on Mentoring & Coaching and launch Leadership Coaching Circles in Maryland libraries.

Jennifer Carter, MSLS is the Branch Manager of the North East Branch Library, Cecil County's newest and largest branch.  She has been with the Cecil County Public Library for 17 years, working in Children's Services, staff development,  supervisory and managerial roles.  Jen's professional focus is in leadership and advocacy. She is a graduate of ALA's Advocacy Academy and the Cecil Leadership Institute, and currently serves as CCPL's representative on the Drug Free Community Coalition for Elkton, MD.  She was a member of MLA's Library Advocacy Interest Group subcommittee and has advocated for public libraries on Maryland's Library Day in Annapolis.  Jen strongly believes in the impact of positive relationship-building, communication and transparency in guiding staff to reach their full potential. 

Liz Gabbitas (she/her) is a librarian with an interest in the future of library services and the profession. She is the founder and managing director of Libraries for Digital Equity and a consultant and trainer.  Her focus is on shifting perspectives and centering the work libraries already do as we envision a better world. She loves seeing her library colleagues develop the confidence to stand up and say “Yes, I’m an expert!” After a decade in state, public, and academic libraries, she is passionate about the potential every library worker has to grow and evolve. Liz’s work has proven that when built on a foundation of library values, it’s possible to uncover sustainable ideas and build future-focused solutions. Liz is a lead consultant and trainer for the Maryland Library Leadership Institute (MLLI) 2025. 

Rebecca Hass (she/her/hers) is the programming and outreach manager for Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) and author of 101 Seeds for Library Joy. Prior to AACPL, she served in librarianship and management with the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Ramsey County Public Library. Rebecca received her MLIS from Dominican University in 2008 and her Life and Engagement Coaching Certificate from Anne Arundel Community College in 2022. Rebecca integrates positive psychology practices with DEIB approaches in libraries, community engagement, coaching, and consulting in her business, Joy Work, LLC.

Chaundra Johnson knew she wanted to be a librarian since she walked into her first library at age 4. During her 20-year career, she has worked in every area of the public library and has worked with all types of libraries during her tenure at the Utah State Library where she most recently served as the State Librarian. She is passionate about developing and empowering library staff to embrace the unique skills they have while also continuing to grow and learn, both personally and professionally.   She believes it is the library staff that make libraries great and impact lives so we should always be investing in their development and wellbeing. Chaundra is a lead consultant and trainer for the Maryland Library Leadership Institute (MLLI) 2025.

Christine Kreger is the Professional Development Consultant for the Colorado State Library. She has been involved in leadership training and mentoring for over ten years, including acting as co-chair of the Colorado Association of Libraries Mentorship Interest Group, which provides a wide variety of mentoring options for library staff statewide, since 2019.

Bethany Lambert (she/her/hers) has worked for Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL)for 35 years. For the past 10 years she has been the Learning and Development Manager. She has a BA from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a Certificate in Change Management from ATD. 

Christy Reynolds, MLIS is the Branch Services Manager of the Cecil County Public Library.  She has been with the Cecil County Public Library for 18 years, working in a variety of roles.  Christy is a graduate of Cecil Leadership Institute and the Maryland Library Leadership Institute.

Amber Schooley is the Human Resources Manager and Staff Development Coordinator for Cecil County Public Library.  She has been with Cecil County Public Library for six years.  Prior to Cecil County Public Library, Amber worked in human resources for the healthcare industry.  Amber is passionate about staff engagement and coaching and mentoring staff. 

Bailey Wallace is a Public Services Manager at Jefferson County Public Library. She has worked in libraries for over 10+ years in public, correctional, and academic library settings. In 2019 she helped start the Colorado Association of Libraries Mentorship Interest Group and served as the expert and coordinator for Group and Peer Mentoring.